CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

The African Development Bank (AfDB), through the MicroGREEN Project

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

AfDB MicroGREEN Project – Financial Grant Programme

Grant Reference: AfDB/MICROGREEN/EOI/2026/01
Financing Instrument: Non-Reimbursable Grant
Implementing Framework: African Development Bank (AfDB)
Donor Alignment: World Bank Group | UN SDG Fund | MDTF
Geographical Scope: All African Countries
Sector Coverage: All Business Sectors

  1. BACKGROUND

The African Development Bank (AfDB), through the MicroGREEN Project, is implementing a continent-wide financial grant programme aimed at enhancing access to finance for African entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and startups.

The programme contributes to AfDB’s High 5s Agenda, particularly:

  • Industrialize Africa
  • Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa

It is also aligned with World Bank private sector development principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  1. OBJECTIVE OF THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The objective of this Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is to:

  • Identify eligible entrepreneurs and enterprises for potential grant support
  • Establish a pool of qualified applicants for further evaluation
  • Assess preliminary eligibility, capacity, and development impact potential

Submission of an EOI is a mandatory first stage and does not constitute a commitment to award a grant.

  1. SCOPE OF THE GRANT PROGRAMME

The AfDB MicroGREEN Project provides non-repayable financial grants to support:

  • Business startup, expansion, or formalization
  • Job creation and income generation
  • Innovation and productivity improvement
  • Climate-smart and sustainable enterprises
  • Inclusive growth, with emphasis on women and youth
  1. GRANT SIZE AND FINANCIAL TERMS
  • Micro Grants: USD 1,000 – USD 5,000
  • Small Enterprise Grants: USD 3,000 – USD 10,000
  • Growth Grants: USD 10,000 – USD 50,000

Grant Type: Non-reimbursable
Registration Fee: USD 25 (one-time, non-refundable, administrative cost)

  1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Be a citizen or legally recognized resident of an African country
  2. Own, manage, or represent a business operating in Africa
  3. Be an entrepreneur, MSME, cooperative, or startup
  4. Operate in a lawful economic activity
  5. Demonstrate basic operational or implementation capacity
  6. Commit to monitoring, reporting, and compliance requirements

Formal registration is not mandatory, but applicants must demonstrate business activity.

  1. ELIGIBLE SECTORS

The programme is sector-neutral and open to, but not limited to:

  • Agriculture and agribusiness
  • Renewable energy and climate solutions
  • Manufacturing and processing
  • Trade and services
  • ICT and digital innovation
  • Creative industries
  • Health, education, and social enterprises
  1. EOI SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants shall submit an Expression of Interest containing:

  • Applicant identification details
  • Business name, location, and sector
  • Brief description of business activities
  • Estimated grant amount required
  • Intended use of funds
  • Expected economic and social impact

No supporting documents are required at EOI stage.

  1. SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will follow World Bank and AfDB grant management principles, including:

  1. EOI submission and registration
  2. Eligibility screening
  3. Shortlisting based on predefined criteria
  4. Invitation to submit full grant application
  5. Technical and financial evaluation
  6. Approval and grant award
  1. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

Programme implementation is supported by:

  • Programme Coordinators at regional and national levels
  • State/Regional Representatives responsible for applicant outreach and verification
  • A central Programme Management Unit (PMU) responsible for approvals, reporting, and compliance
  1. GOVERNANCE, INTEGRITY & ANTI-FRAUD

The programme applies strict controls consistent with AfDB and World Bank fiduciary standards, including:

  • Zero tolerance for fraud and corruption
  • Verification of applicant information
  • Audit and compliance checks
  • Sanctions for misrepresentation or misuse of funds
  1. DISCLAIMER
  • Submission of an EOI does not guarantee funding
  • Payment of the registration fee does not influence grant selection
  • AfDB reserves the right to accept or reject any EOI without obligation
  • Grant awards are subject to availability of funds
  1. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION

All information submitted shall be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and donor policies.

  1. SUBMISSION & CONTACT INFORMATION

Programme Secretariat
AfDB MicroGREEN Project
Email: info@microgreenproject.org
Website: www.microgreenproject.org

END OF CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

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